The Worst Prediabetes ‘Diet’ Foods

If you find out you have prediabetes, use the diagnosis as motivation to get healthy. Prediabetes dramatically raises your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. But it’s not too late for you to change course. If you lose just five to seven per cent of your current body weight, you can reduce the chances of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes by up to 58 per cent.

People on a prediabetes diet should watch portion sizes, follow a healthy, well-balanced eating plan, and keep an eye out for these surprisingly troublesome foods.

CEREAL

An easy go-to breakfast, but most cold cereals lack adequate protein and fibre. That’s problematic first thing in the morning, says dietitian Marina Chaparro. “When you wake up you can have a little more insulin resistance” – your body isn’t using insulin as effectively as it should, she explains. Highlyrefined grains, like those found in most popular breakfast cereals, only compound the problem.

‘DETOX’ JUICES AND SMOOTHIES

Loaded with fruit, but also loaded with sugar (even if it is the natural kind). Plus they’re missing the key ingredients of protein and fibre, which help keep your blood sugar steady. Choose whole fruit instead.

‘SUGAR-FREE’ PACKAGED FOODS

These processed foods – usually snack items like energy bars – can contain unnecessary chemicals and extra fat to make them taste good.

BREAD AND PASTA

Your goal is to focus on portions. If you’re going to eat pasta or bread, enjoy a small amount of wholewheat on the side rather than making it your main course.